BEUKEMA: Financial climate makes for volunteer positions at state parks

By Roger Roger Beukema, Journal Register Newspapers

Saturday, March 2, 2013

With all sorts of cuts to many services and programs we enjoy, you wonder what will be left to experience.

These days the magical words do more with less, or there is no funding so reduced hours, laid off employees or full closures are becoming more and more the rule rather than the exception.

This may be where the interested public can take some steps forward and contribute to parks, campgrounds, fishing launches and other forms of public activity by becoming involved through volunteering.

There are many opportunities for interested people to volunteer and help out reduced park staff.

Annually, the DNR Parks division has looked to the public to staff parks with campgrounds as campground hosts.

Campers volunteering to be hosts are not paid (hence the word volunteer) but do receive free camping while hosting.

Along with hosting go some responsibilities like helping campers find sites, assisting with camp set up if needed, pointing out interesting features of the park and area around it, and developing programs for both the enjoyment as well as some education for campers.

Volunteer at any state park, campground or on line at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Speaking of state parks, many have formed “Friends” groups. Locally, The Friends of Holly Recreation Area help park staff in a variety of ways.

From roadside and park clean up to maintain trails, planting a wildflower garden at the park’s entrance and other activities.

The DNR needs volunteers for the 18th annual Frog and Toad Survey. Frog and toad populations help determine the state of the environment.

Declining populations of frogs, toads and other amphibians have been documented worldwide since the 1980s. Studies suggest amphibians are disappearing due to habitat loss, pollution, disease and collection.

Surveys are conducted by volunteer observers along a statewide system of permanent survey routes, each consisting of 10 wetland sites.

Observers visit the sites three times during spring – when frogs and toads are actively breeding – and listen for calling frogs and toads at each site, identify the species present, and make an estimate of abundance.

Those interested should contact Lori Sargent at SargentL@michigan.gov or (517) 373-9418, and leave their name address and phone number.

More information on the Frog and Toad Survey and other projects supported by the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund is available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/wildlife, under Research Projects in the left-side navigation bar.

State parks in the area are looking for volunteers to help remove shrubs before spring:

Sunday, March 24 – Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 1 to 4 p.m. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers.com.

Oakland County Parks is looking for volunteers to help with its many programs or assist in one of the county parks.

Those interested in volunteering should visit www.destinationoakland.com. Click the conservation tab titles “What you can do.” Or call Brittany Bird, natural resources planner at (248) 858-1726 for more information.

“Seasonal employment is a fantastic opportunity to gain or improve professional skills while working in a dynamic, fun environment. These positions are ideal for those who enjoy interacting with others,” Manager of Parks and Recreation Operations Sue Wells said.

Seasonal summer employment is limited to 13 weeks. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Applications must be submitted online at www.oakgov.com/jobs.

With decreasing government spending and possible more on the way from the nations capitol, individuals are having to take charge in areas of conservation, soil erosion, and stream habitat.

A workshop-protect your shoreline-a program for inland lakefront property owners is set for March 16, 8:30a.m.-3p.m. at Michigan State University Tollgate Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi.

It’s one of the programs sponsored by the Clinton River Watershed Council.

This workshop is designed to educate interested lakefront property owners on natural erosion control methods and will discuss techniques for using natural landscaping along the shoreline to provide erosion control and habitat value while maintaining the aesthetic value of the lakefront.

Workshop Topics:* Healthy lake ecosystems

* Designing and maintaining natural landscapes on lake shorelines

* Bio-engineering techniques to address high impact shorelines

* Using native plants in shoreline landscapes

* Attracting fish and wildlife to your shoreline

* Managing shoreline invasive species

* State of Michigan rules and regulations

* Local examples of natural shoreline projects

Pre-registration is required and costs $45 per person on or before March 16. After March 9, the cost is $55 per person.

Registration fee includes light refreshments, educational resources, and a copy of MSUE’s new 70-page “Natural Shoreline Landscapes on Michigan’s Inland Lakes: Guidebook for Property Owners.” Deadline to register is March 13, 2013. There is a $25 cancellation fee for those requesting a refund after 3-13-2013.

For more information call Bindu Bhakta; (248)-858-5198 or bhaktabi@anr.msu.edu.

The DNR will host an open house March 18 from 6-8p.m., at the Orion Center, 1335 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion. The purpose is to give the public opportunity to provide input on the proposed Phase 2 Long Range Action Goals Plan for Bald Mountain Recreation Area.

Bald Mountain Recreation Area provides more than 4,600 acres of public recreational property in Northeast Oakland County.

The park is home to diverse natural and cultural resources and supports nine examples of exemplary natural communities, including four significant prairie fens.

It includes 11 lakes and two designated trout streams and hosts a broad spectrum of recreation opportunities.

Over 3,000 acres of the park are open for hunting, and the park includes a modern shooting range.

Other recreation options include rustic cabins, fishing, hunting and trapping, birding and more than 15 miles of trails for hiking and mountain bike use. The park adjoins the Paint Creek and Polly Ann linear trails.

This is a great chance for interested parties to express their views on the future for the park.

For more information about this open house or the proposed plan, or assistance for persons needing accommodations to attend this open house, contact Debbie Jensen, DNR park management plan administrator, at (517) 335-4832 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) at least five business days before the open house.

Roger Beukema writes a weekly outdoors column for Journal Register Newspapers. Email him at dutchbeukema@comcast.net and read his blog at theoaklandpress.com.